CHAPTER FIVE: Whatever It Takes
About an hour later, Ezra and Chris's team were sitting around discussing what to do next, and coming up with nothing. The situation was quickly becoming desperate. JD was up in his room, chatting one of the instant messenger programs. He was trying to get the attention of the other Red Glove members. Sidney had also disappeared into one of the rooms Ezra had made into a small gym. It was a good place for her to blow off steam."Nathan said that they've got two security guards posted at the door,' Vin said. The doctor had sounded completely flustered on the phone. The hospital was chaos. Cops were running around searching for answers, and reporters were attempting to get comments from them. Nathan was almost at his wits end trying to give Liam the peace and quiet he so desperately needed.
:"Is he conscious yet?" Josiah asked.
"Guess he was for a few minutes, but he passed out again. Nathan says that's an excellent sign He thinks Liam's going to make a full recovery."
"And he will get healthy to spend the rest of his life in a jail cell," Ezra sighed.
"What are you talking about?" Buck asked.
"Mr. Mason's only chance for escape lies with the Red Glove. So far, JD hasn't been able to contact any of the members. The organization is in disarray, by the time they meet again, it may be too late."
"And what do you think we are?" Buck asked "You really think we're going to let that boy be fed to the wolves. Jesus Ezra, I thought you knew us better than that."
"You would be willing to risk your careers, maybe even your lives?" the millionaire asked, the skepticism was evident in his voice.
"We swore an oath to protect the innocent and uphold justice when we got our badges," Josiah stated. "I can't think of anything that meets the requirement more."
"I am eternally in your debt," Ezra said. "This means the world to..."
Nobody got the chance to find out who this would mean the world, because Ezra was interrupted by a knock on the back door..
"Who on earth could that be?" Ezra asked, getting up and disappeared into the other room to answer it.. The FBI agents pulled out their guns, aware of the threat that could be lurking on the other side of the door.
"Evan! What are you doing here? The cops might recognize the car!" Ezra said, surprised to see the attractive dark young man standing on the steps. "Please come in."
The Red Glove's second in command Evan Kestner followed Ezra into the living room.
"The car's parked about five miles down the road in the wilderness area parking lot. I hiked through the woods. You know that you've got about four cop cars watching the house right now?" Evan asked.
Ezra sighed, but he wasn't the least bit surprised.
"I figured there would be under some form of scrutiny."
"I'll get right on that," Buck growled, pulling out his cell phone.
"No, let them watch the house. We've got nothing to hide here," Ezra answered. "Well, nothing that they can see," he added with an evil smile.
Evan greeted the agents with a nod of his head; he had met the agents before.
"Where are Sidney and JD?" he asked. "We need to have a meeting now, everybody's already meeting at the library."
"I'll got get them," Vin said, getting out his chair. He walked up the steps in the large hallway. JD had his door open. Vin wasn't one to eavesdrop, but the kid might quite a sight. He was sitting at his computer typing desperately.
"Come on, answer me!" he pleaded. "You cowards, so you all are willing to back down the first time something bad happens, Damn you!" JD's voice was quivering. It sounded like JD might loose it at any moment. Vin decided to save him the awkward situation.
"Hey JD," he said. JD quickly wiped his eyes before turning around.
"Yeah?" he croaked.
"Evan's downstairs, he says he needs to talk you and Sidney," JD was out of his seat in a flash. He was half way down the steps before Vin could stay anything else. Vin smiled and continued on his mission. He could hear noises coming from the half closed door. Sidney didn't even react to his entrance. She continued to punch the bag in front of her. Vin knew the feeling. He often got in similar trances where nothing could interrupt him. She gave the bag one final kick and turned to him.
"Yeah," she asked, when she finally realized he was there.
"You want some advice?" he asked.
"Depends what kind," she stated.
"Keep that right hand up a little farther when you are throwing a punch. Your knuckles should be even with your cheekbone." She nodded her head, and punched again with her free hand in the correct position.
"Anything else?" she asked
"Yeah, I suggest you get those gloves off, because Evan's downstairs waiting for you." She had the gloves off in a second and threw them on the ground. Just like JD, she was out the door in a flash.
Vin hesitated for a second, but picked up one of the gloves and put it on his right hand... He walked over to the bag and delivered a hard punch that sent the bag flying. He stopped with his free hand, and smiled. He hadn't been boxing champion of his army division for no reason. He took of the glove and hung it back up.
By the time Vin got back downstairs, everyone was deep in conversation.
"We're meeting in an hour," Evan said. "Nathan just called and said he managed to get a hold of everyone else. The library conference room is open for us."
"Library conference room?" Buck asked.
"Where else would the British Literature Discussion Group meet?" Sidney asked with a smile.
Chris shook his head, so that is why he could never track down a meeting place or time for the Red Glove. The more secrets that group revealed to him, the more he continued to be amazed.
"You can get inside this late?" Josiah asked.
"Adrian works in the children's department, she's got a key," JD explained. "The librarians don't care if we go in there after hours, they love us."
"I'll bet," Buck snorted. "And do they know what the British Literature Discussion Group really talks about."
"Hell no, they really believe that we sit around and talk about the life history of Charles Dickens for three hours every week," Sidney answered. "Come on, we've got to go."
"Sidney, there's guards watching the house. I am sure you will be followed wherever you go for the next couple of days." Vin told her.
"Damn, can't you get rid of them?" she said looking at Chris.
"It is best to let them now that we don't suspect anything. If we create a hassle, they're likely to grow more suspicious," Chris stated.
"I guess you're right," Sidney sighed in resignation. "But that means that I can't go tonight."
"Nobody even looked my way when I snuck through the woods," Evan said. "Sidney could come with me. When the rest of you leave, it would seem like she's home alone."
:"It sounds awfully risky," Buck stated.
"I agree," Ezra nodded. "I don't know if it's worth it."
"Come on," Sidney pleaded. "Liam is my friend! Besides, the Red Glove is in serious trouble right now. What do you think it will look like if one of the key members doesn't show up because there was too much risk!"
"She's right."
Surprised gazes turned to Sidney's unlikely supporter.
"She deserves to go," Chris stated.
Sidney shot the man a grateful look. She looked around the room and saw no signs of argument.
"Hold on a second," she said. "I'll go change." She ran up the steps.
"Well now that is decided," Ezra stated. "I suggest we leave. You will be taking your own vehicles, I assume?"
"Huh?" Buck asked.
"Perhaps I was wrong in assuming that you will be joining us at the meeting,' Ezra said.
:"You want us to come? A bunch of cops?" Chris asked dumbfounded.
"We've decided that if you are going to help us, than we want you to see what we really do" Evan explained. "Liam was going to ask if you wanted to come to our next meeting."
"Buck, you said that you wanted to help us rescue our unfortunate Irishman. I expect that will the more the foremost discussion at the meeting tonight," Ezra stated.
Sidney came back down the steps dressed completely in black, down to her shoes.
"Are we ready?" she asked, looking around.
"When we start our advent to the garage, you two go out the back door. We should offer our spying guests a small distraction," Ezra stated.
They both nodded their heads and disappeared into the kitchen. "Shall we?" he said, looking at the remaining men.
"Hey Ezra, Nathan's got the Caddy at work," JD stated.
'That we have no choice, but to take the Jag. I would not be caught dead near your death contraption and Sidney has yet to replace the starter in her set of wheels." Ezra picked up his keys to prized mode of transportation.
JD looked around the room and asked, "Hey Ez, you feeling okay? Are you really alright to drive?"
Ezra gave JD a confused look.
"I am sure that I have never been more healthy, Mr. Dunne."
"Are you sure? I mean you did have a couple of drinks and that kind of stress can really get to a man."
Ezra looked hard at JD, and a knowing look filled his eyes. He tossed the leys to JD.
"Perhaps I could use the help of a driver," he said with a smile.
"What? Really?" Obviously, this was not the response the kid had expected. "You're the best Ezra!" He rushed out the door.
"If you do anything to harm her in anyway, I will have your head on a silver platter," Ezra called, following him.
"You do realize that we could ruin our lives by doing this right?" Buck asked Chris .
"What did Mary Travis say? There's no justice without courage?" Chris answered.
"Something like that," Vin answered with smile..
"Just making sure you were aware of the risks," he answered. Chris just smirked at him as they were walking out. Buck had to hide his own. He hadn't seen his old friend smile like that in a long time.
Two hours later, Josiah was sitting in the library conference room. He noticed the looks of apprehension that crossed the various faces of the Red Glove. They trusted Evan, but they couldn't completely break their weariness of anyone in uniform. Sorkin had been right; these kids weren't your average street criminals. He turned to look at Chris. He saw the range the emotions of their leader's face. Many of these kids had been suspected of being in the terrorist group and some had even been taken in for questioning by his team. Every time Chris had been forced to let them go, due to lack of evidence.
Sorkin would kill to be here right now, Josiah thought. This was any criminologists dream. The Red Glove had already defied just about every norm in the book. Tonight they were adding another one. Very few groups managed to stay afloat after their leader's downfall. If anything, Liam's arrest and near death had only brought the group closer together. It really appeared like God was on their side. At least, Josiah hoped so.
"We can't just go in there guns blazing," Evan answered one of the suggestions. "The security is bound to be something we've never seen before. Besides it's a hospital, innocent people might get hurt."
"We can't just feed him to the wolves,' a blond haired girl cried.
"And we won't," Sidney answered. "But Liam would never forgive us if ended up hurting someone, especially to help him."
"And who made you the expert?" a young Hispanic man asked. Sidney blushed and hung her head. The man's face also turned red when he received glares from numerous people.
"Sorry Sid. That wasn't called for," he apologized.
"It's alright," Sidney said. There was a knock on the door. Every occupant of the room pulled out a gun. The door opened before anyone had a chance to see who it was. Almost thirty safeties were clicked off, as the person on the other side of the door walked in.
"Easy, it's just me!" he said. The safeties were put back on and guns reholstered.
"You looking to get shot, Jackson?" Chris growled.
"Reckon it's going to happen sooner or later," he shrugged. He shook his head when he saw thirty sets of questioning eyes fall upon him.
"No change," he stated. A collective groan went out across the room.
"What does that mean?" Casey asked.
"Well it would be a lot better if he was awake and alert, but he's doing better than we could have expected."
"Is he stable?" JD asked.
"Why do you ask?" Nathan asked even though he had a pretty good idea.
"Hell Nathan, you know why. The sooner we can get him out of there the better."
"If we take him off his ventilator now, his chances of surviving decrease greatly. His lungs are strong, but the bullet did a lot of damage. I really don't know when he'll be able to breathe on his own."
"Then we can't move him until he's better," Sidney said. This time no one argued with her.
"They'll be moving him to a high security prison hospital as soon as he's off the respirator," Nathan explained.
"Anyway that we could move him with the respirator?" Evan asked Nathan shook his head.
"Shit," Evan sighed and dropped his head into his hands. "Sorry guys, I've got nothing. One of us has to have an idea!" He looked around at his teammates in desperation.
"We just need time to think," JD said. Chris watched as they all pounded their minds for ideas. His own idea was forming in his mind.
"Nathan, could you get Red Glove kids in as nurses?" he asked.
Nathan gave him a confused look.
"I don't know. What are you thinking?"
"Well that's just say that you take Liam off the respirator and the guards call for a transport to the prison. You would probably order tests before he leaves, right?"
"Of course," Nathan answered. "I would guess almost an hour's worth of work before I would sign his release papers. He would have to have various x-rays, maybe even an MRI."
"What if the nurses would get lost on their way to x-ray room? The hospital is a pretty big place, they might accidentally wonder into a room where there's a window. A window big enough for a person to fit through," Chris realized that he had everyone's complete attention.
"And what would happen after that?" Ezra asked.
"Well there might happen to be some people waiting there to help take him to an awaiting car. If the driver so chooses, Liam may be whisked away do an undisclosed location."
"It will take a lot of planning," Buck stated. "And how are we going to get nurses inside?"
"It will be at least another two weeks before I can safely trust him to breathe on his own. There's plenty of time to come up with the logistics. As far as nurses go, the hospital's been short staffed for almost a year now. If anyone remotely qualified applies they're hired."
"Is that safe?" Josiah asked. Nathan shrugged his shoulders.
"The hospital would have to close down otherwise. We would just need some fake paper and references."
"Hold on second," JD interrupted. All eyes turned to him. "Nathan, you're actually agreeing to this?"
"Believe or not JD, I can be just as reckless as everyone else when the situation arises," Nathan laughed, but his mood immediately turned serious. "Are you really going to help us?" The question was directed at Chris.
"In whatever way we can," Chris agreed. "If it means we go down with the Red Glove, so be it." The rest of his team nodded in agreement.
This statement seemed to ease the mood in the room. The wariness on apart of the Red Glove seemed to disappear.
CHAPTER SIX: Who Are These Guys?
Sidney sat on the fence watching Vin work with one of the horses. She smiled when she saw how willingly the stubborn little Indian pony followed the Texan around the pasture. A loud whooshing noise was heard overhead. She looked up to see an airplane descending to some place in the woods. She didn't think much of it."There's a trout stream a couple of miles away," she explained when she saw Vin looking up at the sky. "Sea planes land there all the time."
Vin nodded his head and hopped onto the pony's back. Sidney watched in amazement as the agent rode the untrained animal bareback around the pasture.
"Well, would you look at that?" a voice called from behind her. Startled, Sidney almost lost her balance and fell off the post. Two hands caught her before her legs slid off the wood. Ezra didn't let go until he was sure she had her balance back. Monty wagged his tail and leaned jumped up so his paws were resting on the pole. Sidney scratched the loyal animal behind the ears.
"I didn't think Peso liked people," he said. "I was beginning to wonder if buying him from the shelter was a mistake."
"Oh shut up Ezra. We both know how bad he looked when the human society took him away from that horse breeder. He was nothing, but skin and bones. You wouldn't have left him there if he had bitten your finger off."
"He almost did," Ezra said, rubbing his finger where the scar from peso's teeth still remained.
"And you still took him. Besides look at him now, he's beautiful!"
"With the same cranky attitude, still I do feel much better knowing that there's somebody who appreciates him."
"You going to give him to Vin then?" Sidney asked.
'Do you approve?" he asked.
She nodded her head and yawned loudly. Ezra gave her a concerned look. None of them had gotten much sleep over the last two weeks, but he guessed that Sidney had gotten the least out of all of them
"Did you sleep at all last night Sidney?" he asked.
"Not really," she answered truthfully. "Maybe a couple of hours.'
"Sidney..."
"Don't scold me, I heard you walking around the house around two last night," she paused. "I can't wait until I see him again."
"That my dear will be very soon," Ezra said. "Nathan says that he has just taken Liam off the respirator and his organs are functioning normally.."
This time Sidney did fall off the post. She landed on her back with a thud. Monty barked, which drew Vin's attention. As Vin dismounted and walked over, Sidney was already getting to her feet. He noticed that Peso was following him like a puppy.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me right away!" she complained, flustered.
"Tell you what?" Vin asked, seeing that his friend wasn't hurt.
"I just got off the phone with Nathan," Ezra explained, "and he has informed me that their has been a team to arranged to transport Liam at preciously two o clock this afternoon."
"Shit, that doesn't leave us much time to call everyone!" Vin exclaimed. "We've only got an hour and a half!"
"How can you stay so calm Ezra? We've got work to do!" Sidney yelled, running for the house.
Ms. Marks, if you would give me the opportunity to clarify, I would have explained to you that the necessary measures have already been taken. I have contacted Agent Larabee. He and the Red Glove are already in position. The only thing that needs to be completed is our final end of the transport chain."
"Then what are we waiting for?" she cried and rushed for the garage.
"Nice to see her smile again," Vin commented, watching her disappear inside the garage.
"I agree, but I think she will be much happier when he is safely hidden away downstairs."
"We all will be," Vin agreed and the two men walked to the garage.
Sidney was already backing a large white van into the driveway. The undistinguishable van had been borrowed from Standish Corporation and installed with fake license plates. A similar vehicle would be used to transport Liam during the first leg of the escape plan.
Ezra opened the back door to let Monty inside and walked to the van where Sidney was drumming on the dashboard impatiently. She turned her head and gasped. Vin tried to yell out a word of warning, but he was too late.
"Please stand still Mr. Standish," an authoritative voice demanded. He felt the cool barrel as it was painfully jabbed into his back.
Sidney and Vin remained silent and still, knowing that any form of movement could be a risk to their friend. Judging by the looks on their faces, the situation was not good. He heard the loud breathing of at least two men behind him.
"Can I help you gentlemen?" he asked calmly, although he could feel the trickles of sweat begin dropping from his forehead.
"You can start by having your friend there give us his gun and have the girl get out of the van," the voice answered.
Vin quickly pulled out his gun and took out the bullet case. He set the gun down on the ground and kicked it past Ezra. Out of the corner of his eye, Ezra saw the large shape of a man pick up the gun. Sidney turned off the van and got out. Vin stepped in front of her protectively.
"Thank you. My employer has asked for your presence at a very important meeting. I am under strict orders to bring you to him no matter how much resistance you and your friends put up. We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
"And I suppose one way only ends up with us still breathing," Sidney snorted. "So what is this really about? Who are you guys?"
"Sidney..." Ezra warned. He always knew the girl's brashness would get them into trouble someday, but he had hoped it wouldn't be in a situation like this. He was surprised when his captor laughed.
"Do not worry Ms. Marks, everything will be explained in its proper time and place. The less trouble you give us, the faster you will get your answers." She looked at Ezra, who nodded his head. He had hopped she would drop the matter and agree to the demands, but he was not that lucky.
"We have things we need to do," she demanded. Again Ezra was surprised to hear a laugh.
"Liam Mason will be properly cared for and will not end up in the hands of Denver law enforcement,' the voice answered. The comment caught Sidney so off guard that she wasn't able to respond with the hot retort on her lips.
"Now, we already have transportation arranged in the woods," Ezra's captor said.
"The plane," Vin whispered, glancing at Sidney.
"Now, I will not handcuff you if you promise to follow us willingly. If you show any signs of resistance, we will be forced to incapacitate you, and will only make things harder for the both of us. Understood?"
Ezra nodded his head, and he felt the gun leave his back. He noticed the worried look on Sidney's face. He smiled reassuringly at her, hoping if offered her more comfort than he felt. He turned around to look at their captors. There were five of them all together, four men and one very attractive blond haired woman. All of them were lean and fit. Each dressed impeccably in business suits and well armed. He knew who these people were, but for the life of him could not figure out why'd they be here. He did know that resisting them was not an option.
"Emily you lead," the man who had pointed the gun at Ezra ordered.
The woman nodded her head.
"Tanner, you follow," the man ordered next. Without a word Vin followed the woman. A man named Brent followed
"Now you Ms. Marks," the obvious leader said. "Cody, I want you to follow her." "Yes sir," the young man answered and reached out to grab Sidney's arm. Sidney sidestepped; her feet got entangled with the man's and he fell to the ground. Ezra closed his eyes and winced, but he had no reason to worry. The remaining agents burst out laughing; even the leader cracked a smile.
"Nobody touches me," Sidney demanded. She took off down the trial.
"Can't we just handcuff her," Cody whined. "It would make all our jobs a lot easier."
"The senator said that we only use force if they don't listen, and right now they are complying willingly. Now get moving!"
Ezra jumped at the word senator. He now had a pretty good idea where these men had come from. Cody sighed and took off at a sprint down the trial Conner watched him go, then smiled at Ezra.
"After you," he motioned with a smile.
"If you hurt either of my friends," Ezra growled. "I will personally make you pay. You have no idea who you are dealing with."
"Neither do you," Conner answered with the same sick smile.
Ezra glared at him, but walked forward, cursing himself silently. He had always known that the crook and one time senator Guy Royal would seek his revenge. They had ruined his career when Ezra and the others had caught him making illegal deals with the Red Glove. Chris Larabee's discovery of the illegal shipment of firearms had only sealed the corrupt politician's fate.
Ezra had known to expect something, but recently he had let his guard down. Now Sidney and Vin might be paying the price for his mistake. A horrible thought occurred to him. These men knew about Liam! Not only was the Irishman in danger, so were Chris and the others! He felt a hand push him roughly.
"Get moving. We haven't got all day," the voice growled. Ezra stumbled forward, but caught his balance before he fell on his face. The only thing that he could do know was pray that the team at the hospital could handle the threat from the police and now the crazy senator.
+ + + + + + +
Buck waited impatiently outside the hospital window. JD's constant foot tapping was starting to drive him nuts, but he would tolerate it if he had too. The two were hiding below the first story window near the back of the building. Liam would be coming to them through this window. After that, he and JD would take Liam to the spot where Chris and Josiah had their red van parked.
He put a comforting arm on the young man's shoulder. He hoped his look conveyed more confidence than he truthfully felt. It seemed to do the trick, because JD stopped fidgeting. Well for a few moments at least.
"Where are they?" JD asked impatiently. "They should have been here two minutes ago!" he stated, looking at his watch.
"Relax kid, I'm sure Nathan has everything under control. They probably got behind on paperwork or something."
As if on cue, there was a knock on the window. JD sprang up and began trying to pry open the window. Buck was on his feet a few seconds after, and attempted to help him. He shot a quick glance inside the window. The two "nurses" were trying to open the window from the inside. The Red Glove members had given Oscar winning performances. The sisters had applied two weeks ago and had managed to keep a low profile. Nathan stood watching the door from the hallway. Liam was leaning heavily on his side. Buck was glad to see him on his feet. The Red Glove leader still looked incredibly pale and weak, but their was a huge improvement for the last time he had seen him.
They couldn't get the window open, even as hard as they all tried. Buck was getting desperate. Time was disappearing. Their situation didn't get any better when he saw Nathan rush into the room and slam the door behind him. Even through the walls, Buck could hear pounding on the door. As quick as lightening, the doctor leaned Liam on one of the girls and grabbed a metal piece off the x-ray machine. Buck, realizing what Nathan was about to do, pulled JD out of the way before the broken glass flew everywhere.
Nathan quickly helped Liam through the broken window. Buck was there to assist from the other side. As hard as the two men tried, they could not prevent the glass from piercing Liam's skin in several places.
"Sorry about this Kid," Buck said, as he tossed Liam over his shoulder.
"You shouldn't be doing this," Liam said weakly.
"I think I know a little lady who thinks differently," Buck said with a smile. "All of us tend to agree with her."
"You idiots could get yourselves killed," Liam answered.
"She said to tell you that some things are worth dieing for," Buck answered, not knowing exactly why she had told him to say that. The female Red Glove members had managed to pull themselves through the window,
"Dr. Jackson, what's going on in there?" a voice called form the other side of the door. "What are those voices I hear?"
"Get going," Nathan hissed. "You don't have much time! They came quicker than I thought."
JD reached into his pocket and pulled out a bandanna and a small bottle. He reached through the window and handed it to Nathan.
"Thanks, now go!" Nathan ordered. JD turned to the two girls.
"Best if you disappear for a while. Nettie says she can offer you a place if you need somewhere to go," JD told them.
:"We might take her up on that,' the taller one said. "Let's go, Sarah."
"Take care of him," Sarah whispered.
"Not if it's going to get them killed," Liam said, then added "Thank you, I don't know how I will ever pay you back."
"You saved us from the streets Liam, it's the least we could do."
The two girls sprinted out of sight. JD watched them go, praying that their dyed hair and contacts would keep the cops guessing until they could get someplace safe.
"After you," he motioned to Buck. Buck took off sprinting as fast he could with Liam over his back. JD followed him and pulled out his gun, covering Buck's back. Both were surprised by the lack of sirens and alarms. By the time they reached the alley, both were winded and panting. Liam didn't look much better. The mad sprint had taken its toll on all of them. The female voice that awaited them was the last thing any of them expected.
"Mr. Dunne, lower your gun and nobody gets hurt."
"What the hell?" Buck swore as he watched two men get out of the van. Three more appeared from various hiding spots in the alley.
"Mr. Dunne?" A blond woman pointed her gun at JD, "We are waiting."
"We're not going down without a fight," JD said. "You're not taking Liam to that jail!!"
"JD..." Liam tried to say, but he didn't get a chance to finish.
"Mr. Mason will not be heading to a prison," the woman explained. "My employer has other purposes for him."
"Purposes?" Buck asked. A sudden thought popped into his mind. "Wait a second, where are Chris and Josiah?" His voice rose, as desperation began to settle in.
"They have been properly taken care of. We made sure that they came with us."
"What did you do to them?" Buck yelled, his fists clenching in anger and fear. He knew that neither of his friends would go along willingly with this woman and her partners.
"I can assure you that no harm came to them. Now drop the gun JD, before we are forced to resort to desperate measures."
The first thought in JD's mind was to blow this woman's brains out. If it had just been him he probably would have, four men behind her or not. But there were other people to think about. He looked at Liam and Buck and thought of Chris and Josiah. Who knew what would happen to them if he didn't go along with their plans. He sighed heavily and dropped the gun.
"Thank you, now will you please get into the van? We have a plane to catch."
"Plane?" Buck asked, but received no response. He slid open the van door and carefully placed Liam inside.
"You don't have to do this," Liam whispered, but Buck motioned for him to be quiet.
"I think this goes beyond you and the cops Liam," he whispered.
"Do you know something?" JD asked. "Who are these guys?"
"Not really, but I do know that weapon the woman was holding is only issued to Secret Service agents."
"You're kidding!" JD's voice rose, and he quickly lowered it when Buck glared at him. "You think the President wants to take down the Red Glove?"
"I don't know JD, but I do know that he might happen to be friends with our favorite Senator."
"Travis?" JD asked, not understanding.
"Royal," Liam answered. Buck nodded his head.
"Royal might have paid President Fitzgerald to use the Secret Service to help get revenge on us."
"No way, Fitzgerald is supposed to be a good guy. He wouldn't be in league with a slime ball like Royal."
"People thought Royal was a good guy too, and look what he turned out to be." Buck answered.
"What do you think we should do Buck?" JD asked.
"I don't know JD, but I think we just got into a shitload more trouble than we reckoned for.
CHAPTER SEVEN: Plane Ride
Chris watched as JD and Buck walked onto the plane."Damn!" he swore. He slammed his hand down the armrest of the airline seat.
"Owww!"
He quickly realized that his hand had connected with flesh instead of plastic. Sidney had withdrawn her hand in pain.
"Sorry," he stated, as she rubbed it. "I didn't see your hand there."
"It's fine," Sidney answered. "It's the least of our worries right now.'
She looked around the small cabin of the plane. The plane was completely full with her friend and the now heavily armed guards. Even she wasn't stupid enough to try something. Buck and JD were forced into the seats behind them. Both of them were dizzy from the bumpy car ride thought the woods.
"Where's Liam?" she asked.
"I don't know Sid," Buck answered apologetically. "They took him somewhere in a different car."
Sidney closed her eyes and gritted her teeth.
'If it helps, they said they wouldn't hurt him."
"Why do I not feel comforted by that?
"Does Nathan know that something went wrong?" Chris asked.
I don't know, last we saw of him..."
The door to the cabin opened and two of their captors waked inside. They were dragging an unconscious body between the two of them.
"What did you do to him?" Ezra asked in outrage.
The two men dropped Nathan in the seat next to Josiah. Josiah immediately felt for a pulse. He was relieved to feel it steady. Vin also looked over the seat, ready to assist in anyway he could.
"I asked what you did to him!" Ezra yelled again.
"You should ask your partner that question," the taller man answered, nodding at JD.
JD blushed slightly when all they eyes in the cabin turned to him.
"It was Nathan's idea," he explained. "I gave him a bottle of chloroform. That way it would look like he had no connection to whoever was rescuing Liam."
"Shit," Vin swore quietly. It was a good idea. Too bad it hadn't really worked. Connor walked out of the cockpit, closing the door behind him. He smiled at his captives.
"We will be taking off in a few minutes, so I suggest you buckle your seatbelts. Again I must emphasize the need for your cooperation."
Nobody responded. Connor obviously took this as an acknowledgement of his statement. He looked around the cabin. There were now nine armed guards watching his captives. The door to the cockpit opened and a scrawny grey haired man walked out.
"Connor, we've got a problem," the pilot said. "We've got too much weight on this plane. I've got to get rid at least five hundred pounds if we're going to lift off the ground."
"Bryan you're sure? I don't want these guys to try anything much. I knew the senator would feel better if he knew they were all properly guarded."
"We're not going to meet the Senator if we don't loose some weight and get off the ground," Bryan answered.
Conner sighed heavily and looked at his team. The nine were waiting his instructions.
"Sam, Emily, Kyle. You guys get off. Take the soonest flight you can back. We are going to need you."
Obediently, the secret service agents left the plane. Ezra happened to catch Chris's eye. Things suddenly turned slightly in their favor. If they could find a way past the guns, they now outnumbered Conner and his agents by two. Satisfied, Bryan returned to cockpit.
'Boss, we're outnumbered now," Cody whined. "Shouldn't we handcuff them to the seats or something?"
"No, I already told you that we were under strict orders not to touch them unless we gave them reason to," Conner answered, though he now seemed more alert to the eight,
Soon the plane was up in the air and sailing though the clear sky. Ezra and Chris were working furiously to come up with some escape plan, something that would avoid suicide. Royal probably wanted them all dead, and nobody doubted that these agents would shoot. Eventually, Nathan regained consciousness. Josiah quickly leaned over to explain the situation to him. The doctor's eye glowered, but he remained silent and still. Most of the guards began to relax when they realized that nobody appeared to be giving them any trouble. Connor and Cody remained vigilant. Connor's eyes constantly darted back between the two rows of seats. When Sidney leaned over to whisper in Chris's ear, Cody nudged her in the shoulder with his gun.
"Quiet," he ordered.
"Hey buddy, your flies open!" Buck laughed. Everyone on the plane snickered as the man quickly rezipped his pants. Cody blushed and raised his hand.
"I wouldn't if I were you," Chris said in a low dangerous voice.
"Cody, don't start anything," Connor ordered.
For the next few minutes, the plane remained silent. Suddenly, Sidney grabbed hold of her stomach and began to moan.
"What the fuck is it now?" Cody swore.
"I'm getting sick," Sidney moaned. "I think I'm going to puke. I need to go to the bathroom."
Chris reached over and grabbed hold of her shoulders, concerned.
"She doesn't look good," he confirmed. "Her eyes are glazing over."
"I don't see any bags," JD said looking around.
'Than puke on the fucking floor," Cody ordered. "You're not moving from your seat."
"Are you kidding me?" the agent standing near Vin and Ezra asked. "The whole cabin will smell like ass!"
"Cody, just take her to the bathroom. She's not going to be able to do anything.
"Fine!" Cody yelled, with a red face. He pulled Sidney to her feet and pushed her forward. "You try anything girl and I will shoot you!"
Sidney's only response was to groan and walk forward towards the bathroom in the back of the plane.
"Keep the door..." Cody ordered, but Sidney had already slammed the door in his face.
Ezra and Chris both took advantage of the guards slightly diverting their attention to poke fun of Cody. Chris leaned over the seat to talk to confer with Buck and JD before another agent took Cody's spot. Ezra whispered into Vin's ear.
"Something's up."
"Why do you say that?" Vin whispered.
"Cause Sidney's been on a plane with me more times than I can count and I have never seen her get motion sickness."
"What the hell are you doing in there?" Cody slammed on the door after a couple of minutes passed. "I don't here any puking."
Clunk!
The door swung open, almost whacking the secret service agent in the face. Sidney stumbled forward a few steps, before collapsing on the ground. She began shaking uncontrollably as blood spilled out of her mouth.
"What the fuck?" Cody cried.
Conner was out of his seat in a second and bending down next to the convulsing young woman.
"Jackson, get over here now!' He ordered.
Nathan was by his friend's side in a spit second. He put a hand on the girl's head.
Sensing the lack of attention behind him, Connor whirled around.
"Keep your eyes on..."
Something hard hit up on the head, and he collapsed on the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw one his agents fall over. Josiah was standing over him. Sidney kicked out her leg, connecting firmly with Cody's gentiles. He fell to the ground, howling in pain.
A few minutes later, Chris clicked the safety off his newly obtained gun.
"Sorry we aren't so trusting," he said. The others were working on cuffing the secret service agents to the seat.
"Nicely played Larabee," Connor said. "Very nice, but will you do now?"
"We'll meet with your Senator," Chris said. "Think he might enjoy a little surprise. After all we've still got an Irishman to save."
"What the fuck is going on out there?" the pilot yelled from behind the metal door.
"I'll go alert our pilot about the change of control," Ezra said, walking past Chris into the cockpit."
"Was it really necessary to bite your tongue?" Nathan asked as inserted a piece of gauze into Sidney's mouth. "Hold on to this."
"'m orry. Had to 'ake it 'ore 'thenic," she answered, trying to talk with the large piece of cotton in her mouth.
"Keep that mouth shut!" Nathan ordered, rubbing his wrist. Connor had a hard head. "You want it to keep bleeding?"
"You sked me a uesion!"
The door to the cockpit opened and Ezra remerged.
"Our pilot had asked that we take our seats. We are beginning our decent."
CHAPTER EIGHT: Meeting with the Senator
Chris handed out the guns once held by the six agents. A nervous look spread across his face when he was left with one gun and two people."Give it to Sidney," JD offered, "She's the better shot."
"No take it JD. I did my part. Now it's your turn," she told him, taking the gauze out of her mouth.
"Sidney, I'm..."
"Someone take the damn gun!" Chris cursed when neither of them moved for the weapon.
"I'm not taking it," Sidney answered, folding her arms. JD grumbled as he took the gun from Chris and made sure that it was loaded. After making sure that everyone was in their seats, Chris sat down.
"Sidney, I want to you to stay behind one of us. Ezra's watching the pilot now, but he might have been able to radio his concern in beforehand. They might come in here shooting and I don't want you to get caught in the crossfire,"
"What do you think I'm going to do, charge at them?" she snorted.
Chris ignored the comment and turned to the others on the plane.
"Remember, be prepared to fire at whatever comes through that door."
"What about Liam?" Josiah asked. "If they are holding him hostage, then we are going to have to play by their rules."
"Shit!" Chris swore. "I forget about that." He turned on Connor, ripping off the handkerchiefs that had been used to gag him. "What are you bastards doing with that kid?
"I already told you that nothing bad will happen to him," Connor stated calmly.
"God Damnit, tell me what Royal is planning on doing!" Chris grabbed onto the man's shirt shoving him backwards. Movement caught the back of his eye. "Buck what the hell are you doing?"
Buck was leaning all the way out his seat, gazing wide eyed out the window.
"You guys aren't going to believe this," he said, shaking his head.
"What?" Chris asked, as he tried to locate what had his friend so flabbergasted.
"Holy shit!"
"Well looks at this way guys," Vin said as he too looked. "If we are going to die, at least we'll be doing it in the most famous house in America."
The plane landed with a thud.
The cockpit door swung open and Ezra emerged, pushing the pilot in front of him.
"Sit," he ordered. Obediently, Bryan sat down in the seat once occupied by Sidney. "Move on muscle and I won't hesitate to shoot," Ezra said coolly.
"What do we do about Liam?" JD asked, but nobody had a chance to respond. The door to the small plane swung open.
Almost in complete unison, seven guns were raised at the incoming intruder. Buck shoved Sidney behind him, quickly clicking off his safety.
. Muscles flexed and fingers twitched on triggers as the undistinguishable man walked nearer to the plane. His features became more visible as he got closer. With surprising agility for an old man, the senator leapt onto the plane.
'Welcome to the White House boys!" he exclaimed. "What the hell?" he asked when he looked around the plane.
Chris almost dropped his gun in disbelief.
"Director Travis?" he stuttered.
The senator's eyes danced as he chuckled.
'You were expecting somebody different?" the former assistant FBI director asked. He looked around the plane at the bound and gagged agents. "Nice work, you just took out some of the highest ranking secret service agents on the President's staff."
"Lower your guns!" Chris ordered, when he saw that Ezra and his team still had their weapons raised. There were no signs of recognition on their faces, only surprise at the order.
:"I demand to know what is going on," Ezra ordered, only lowering his gun slightly."
"It's okay," Josiah said, pulling down Nathan's gun. "He's a friend. This is Senator Travis. He used to be our boss."
Ezra lowered his too, but JD didn't even flinch.
"If he's a friend, than why did he were he kidnapped?" he asked.
"A fair question," Travis acknowledged. "I will explain if you lower your weapon Mr. Dunne."
"Nope, not until I get an answer,' JD answered.
"You do realize that I could have the Secret Service in here on a second's notice?" Travis challenged.
"Then let them come," JD answered defiantly.
'JD, don't..." Vin started to say, but the senator held up his hand to stop him.
"No, JD is smart. I was forced to use extreme measures to get all of you here together."
"I don't understand," Sidney answered. Even though she sensed the ease of Chris and the others, she remained on guard. She had had bad luck with politicians in the past.
'Tell me Ms. Marks, if I had requested a meeting with you what would you have done?"
"I would have run for it thinking you knew something about..." quickly stopped talking, realizing what she was about to reveal.
Nathan and Ezra exchanged nervous glances.
"There is no need to hide anything from me," Travis continued. "But I would prefer not discussing matters in front of these men." He motioned towards the gagged agents. "The President is waiting for us and we will discuss everything with him. He is anxious to meet you, anxious enough to give everyone inside the day off so he could meet you without disturbance."
"As in the in the President of the United States?" Buck asked. "You've got to be kidding me,"
"This is too serious a matter to be joking about,' Travis answered, seriously. "The president and I share ideals that are very hard to come by and we both realize that policy is not going to get is done at this time. We brought you here, because we need your help.
Hopefully, this will intrigue you until we get inside."
"And if we decide not to accompany you?" Ezra asked, still leery.
"Think of where you are, Mr. Standish. I could easily make you come by force. If it makes you feel better you are welcome to carry your guns with you. Besides, I think Liam would prefer seeing you conscious."
"Liam's here?" Sidney asked.
'He's waiting for us inside."
Travis filled them in as they walked across the back lawn; He stopped to talk to a guard about releasing the agents still handcuffed inside the plane.
"Why did you have to go through this with us too?" Josiah asked. "You know that we would have met with you willingly."
'You think I was going to let this golden opportunity slip through my fingers?" Travis chuckled. "This is my way to get back at you for all the ass kissing I've had to do to make sure you guys kept your jobs."
"Sure did a good job of it," Buck answered. "Kid, you really don't need to carry that gun."
'I know," JD responded, "but I've got this irky feeling that something's going to happen."
They followed Travis through the building, none of them able to prevent themselves from awing over the antique furniture and larger than life portraits. Travis finally stopped in a green walled room. A tanned, dark haired man set his book down and rose out his pink arm chair when he saw the Senator walk into the room.. He beamed when he saw Travis lead the others inside.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you," the Montana native greeted in his western drawl.
"Mr. President," Ezra acknowledged, hesitantly.
'Ezra Standish, I finally have the pleasure of thanking you. Mysteriously, I received an check in the mail form Standish Corporation a few months before the election," Fitzgerald answered, shaking hands with the millionaire. "That check pretty much saved my campaign."
Ezra just shrugged his shoulders, for once he was speechless.
Travis introduced everyone else. Both Sidney and JD shook hands with the president, but they had distant looks on their faces.
"What's wrong?' He asked the two.
"Where is Liam, Mr. President?' Sidney asked. Fitzgerald wrinkled up his nose.
"Please call me Eddie. I have my administration to be so formal. Your friend was brought in on a private jet about ten minutes ago. He is currently resting in one of the private rooms upstairs. Take the elevator in the East Lounge, the room to the left, and head up to the third floor. He's in the second room on the right."
Sidney basically flew out of the room. JD was not far behind her.
Travis laughed as he watched them disappear.
"Ah to be that young and reckless again," he sighed.
"Do you know about them?" Chris asked.
"About the Red Glove? I know just as much as you, since I've been receiving information from a first hand account."
"Huh?"
"Liam is my nephew," the senator laughed when he saw the surprised look on the men's faces. "I've known about the Red Glove since its creation."
"You mean you knew what we were doing all along?" Vin asked, "And you let us do it?"
"Just because I have a higher rank Vin does mean that I don't share the same goals as you," Travis answered. "But please we don't have much time so have a seat and let's get this meeting under way."
Now completely intrigued, the men sat down in the various shaped and colored chairs. Josiah was much slower as he gazed at the various paintings on the walls.
"There is so much history in this place. It's like a museum."
The President nodded his head in agreement.
"Sometimes I forget about it. A person needs more than four years just to learn about everything in this place."
"Hopefully we'll make it eight," Travis told him.
"Not if one of these assassination attempts is successful," Eddie sighed as he sank down in his chair.
"Assassination attempts?" Nathan asked.
"So far my agents have got wind of three different plots to have me killed," the president explained. "Although, we can't prove it, I have my suspicions that they're coming form Congressmen. Most of them aren't too happy with my current policies."
"I can't imagine why," Ezra snorted, sarcasm icing his voice.
"This is why I need you," Fitzgerald said looking seriously into all their eyes. "I want to continue to fight things at the political level, but I don't know how successful I'm going to be. Not when this country is run by corrupt businessmen. Besides I have a wife and daughter to worry about. If it was just me, I would fight tooth and nail against these guys, and not worry about the consequences. But I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to them."
"I understand," Josiah answered. "But what do you want us to do about it."
Fitzgerald nodded at Travis to explain.
"Call me a romantic," Travis began. "But for a long time, I envisioned a team of people who could make a stand against the current system, an intelligent team with an unlimited about of resources and connections to law enforcement and the criminal world. When Liam first came to me and told me about his Red Glove, I knew that my vision could come true. I started looking for cops to trust, cops that would share the same ideals at the Red Glove and not squeam away from taking questionable actions.
I knew you were exactly the person I was looking for Chris. Despite, your problems at the time, I knew that you shared my same goal. I couldn't have been happier in people you chose for your team. Things were shaping up nicely. The Red Glove was taking off and my chosen FBI Team began fighting for the same objective. They just didn't know it yet. Ezra, I had my eye on you for a while. I figured you and the men living at your house were up to something, but I never could figure out just what. The day Liam told me that you had taken in Sidney and agreed to help the Red Glove; I knew I had the final piece of my puzzle.
The only thing left was fitting the pieces of the puzzle together. How was I going to unite all of you together? The task seemed impossible. The FBI team swore that they would bring down the Red Glove and the vigilantes despised any cop. For five years I pondered what to do, and was starting to give up on my far fetched idea. Then things started happening at once, things that I had no control over. My puzzle pieces connected themselves without my help. The Cortez case brought you together. One of the greatest days of my life was the day you took the phone call from Sidney about meeting you."
'You knew that was Sidney?" Chris asked, dumbfounded.
'I didn't know one hundred percent until I talked to Liam, but I had guessed. Shortly after, I was elected Senator. Knowing that I had to wait until I was sure that you had really become the team I was looking for, I began searching for support. Little did I know that the only brave ally I found would come form the head hauncho himself."
To all their amusement, Fitzgerald blushed.
"Any good hearted person would. To be completely honest, I liked the idea of good hearted vigilantes running through the country, making the world better for all. I too am a romantic."
"So now that we're here, exactly what are you planning for us to do?" Buck asked.
"I already told you that I'm not going to be able to get much done in Washington. If the congressmen aren't corrupt themselves, they have supporters that are. They know no fear. They know that American law can't touch them. I need these bastards embarrassed and scared. I want you to do that for me. Scare the hell out of them. Expose their illegal actions, reveal their connections to criminals, and if they are bad enough...maybe even get rid of them all together."
"You are asking us to become your stooges?" Ezra asked, hesitantly.
"No, I wouldn't even begin to do try and tell you what do," Fitzgerald explained.
"I want to let you know that I support what you are doing, and am asking you to keep doing it My plan is for you to take this throughout the country, not just Denver. I'm hoping that the Red Glove might be able to inspire enough terror that the other politicians will begin doing what I want them too."
"Wow," Vin whispered. "I can't believe I'm hearing this. The President of the United States is basically condoning vigilantism!"
"Not vigilantism, Protection of Justice," Travis answered, smiling at Ezra.
"This doesn't seem real," Buck said shaking his head. "I don't know about this."
"Are you saying you won't do it?" Fitzgerald asked anxiously.
"Hell now. Where do I sign up?" Buck chuckled, but his face grew serious. "But I won't make the decision alone."
"No," Fitzgerald answered. "I wouldn't think about pushing ahead if not everyone agreed. "What's the verdict?"
"You are already know my opinion," Buck answered.
'I'm in," Chris answered, patting Buck on the shoulder.
'Me too," Vin answered. "Josiah?" he asked when the big man didn't respond right away.
Josiah had a far away look on his face, as if debating his answer.
"Josiah, if this doesn't feel right to you, then you don't have to do it. Nobody will hold it against you."
"No Chris. That's not it." His face cracked into a huge smile. "I just thinking about what crocked politician we should take a stab at first."
There was a long pause.
"Ezra?" Chris prompted.
"Dear lord, what would my mother think?" Ezra asked with a sigh. "Not in her wildest dreams would she have imagined this!"
Is that a yes?" Fitzgerald asked. .
"That, dear sir, is a hell yes."
"Same goes for me," Nathan nodded her head. "If we keep doing this kind of stuff, somebody's going to need medical help eventually. "
"What about Sidney and JD?" Travis said. "I think we should get them down here and make sure they agree to this idea."
They all turned to look at him, with dumbfounded looks
"Are you serious?" Nathan asked. "You want to ask them their opinion?"
"They are adults and deserve to make this decision for themselves," Travis replied misunderstanding.
"Have you ever talked to Sidney and JD?" Ezra asked. "I would bet my entire lifesavings that I know what their answer will be."
"You're positive?" Fitzgerald asked.
:'One hundred percent," Ezra said confidently.
"So when do we get started?" Buck asked.
"I don't think you'll get the opportunity," a voice said coolly behind him.
"Dad!" a girl's voice screamed.
Fitzgerald's face turned pale. The others turned in their seats to see what the disappearance was they felt their hearts sink.
Cody was standing in the doorway with a gun pointed at a dark haired young woman's temple. Her pretty face was frozen in terror.
"Cody, what the fuck are you doing?" Fitzgerald cried.
"Sorry Sir, but I got a better job offer,' the agent smiled. "You could say the benefits are better"
"Cody, I don't know what's got in to you."
"Let go of me, you bastard!" the woman swore. The man pulled back on her hai, and she winced in pain.
"Kat, don't move!" Eddie said, moving only his mouth.
The others felt helpless without their guns. They could do nothing with the gun pointed at the president's daughter.
"Anybody moves, and I will shoot!" Cody yelled. He forced the gun harder into the girl's head.
"Alright Cody, what do want?" Eddie said forcing his voice to remain calm.
"I would have thought that would have been quite obvious Mr. President.," the gunman answered. "My employer wants you dead and it looks like he's going to get his wish."
"Cody, don't do this. I will have people in here so fast that...."
Cody laughed..
"You never could lie Fitz. I know that you've ordered everyone to leave for the afternoon. The only people in here are some of your aids and secretaries up in the West Wing. They won't be able to hear you."
"Lets just talk for a second," Josiah said, trying his hand at calming the agent. "Why don't you just let go of Ms. Fitzgerald and we can talk through this."
"No! I know what you're tying to do. The second I let go of her, you'll all charge at me!" His voice grew quieter. "Wow, is Royal going to be proud."
"Royal? What the fuck does Royal have to do with this?" Chris swore.
"I've always been treated like a kid around here. Nobody thought I could do anything, until the old senator came to talk to me one day. He told me what you were really about Mr. President, all the lies that you were telling people. He told me to wait until the perfect time to get rid of you."
"You sick bastard," Kat hissed. She let out a squeak when Cody yanked her arm back.
"Cody, don't do this," Josiah said calmly. "Think about what will happen if you go through with this. You'll be a hunted man. You know what happen to you?"
"I'll be in all the history books. Every body will remember my name!"
Vin saw the blind hatred in the young man's eyes and felt his sick. What had Royal told him?
:"You think so?" Josiah asked, remarkably calm.
"I knew the names of Booth and Oswald when I was teenager."
"What about Leon Czolgosz and Charles Guiteau?" Josiah asked.
"Who?" Cody asked, lessening his hold on his hostage's arm slightly.
'They killed President McKinley and Garfield," Josiah explained. "Very few people know even know their names. The only reason people remember Booth and Oswald, was because they killed popular presidents."
:"Fitzgerald is popular," Cody answered, but he began to fidget nervously.
Eddie laughed.
"Are you kidding me? Basically my entire staff hates me, because I'm going against the Party. Congress won't do anything I'm proposing. The public despise me, because I'm not doing thing that I promise. Everyone hates me."
"Face it, you kill Fitzgerald, you might be remembered by a few obsessed historians. That's if your lucky," Vin told him.
"That's not true!" Cody yelled, growing frantic now. "I'm going to kill all of you right now!"
Chris noticed movement coming from the next room. He fought the urge to yell out.
"And what will you do after that?" Josiah asked.
Cody never got the chance to respond. They all watched as a large metal barrel connected with Cody's head. He collapsed in a heap on the ground.
"I told you that this might be useful," JD said holding up the gun.
"God Kid, I don't think I've ever been so happy to see your ugly face."
"Thanks Buck," JD answered, shaking his head.
The second Cody collapsed; Fitzgerald had rushed out of his seat to his daughter.
"Are you okay?" he asked, hugging her close.
"I'm fine Dad," she answered. "Geez I come home from law school and this is the greeting I get?"
"What the hell happened here?" Sidney asked, stepping over the body lying on the ground. Nobody answered.
Nathan bent down next to the body. He nodded when he still felt a strong pulse.
"Ms. Fitzgerald, do you know if Cody had any other agents with him? Anyone that looked suspicious?" Chris asked.
"It's Kat, and no I didn't notice anyone. I was walking inside, and he just grabbed me by the arm. Should we call security Dad?"
"I don't know honey," Fitzgerald said resignedly. "I don't know if I can trust them anymore. Some of them have it in for us."
"Mr. President! I think you might be in...." Conner came flying into the room with his gun drawn. "What the hell?" he asked when he saw Cody laying on the ground, and everyone else standing around.
"Can you please explain this Agent Summers," Fitzgerald asked, pushing his daughter protectively behind him. JD held his gun in a ready to shoot position and Nathan reached for Cody's gun.
"I thought you were in danger Sir. Cody's cell phone was ringing so I answered it for the kid. I didn't even need to talk. There was just a voice that told me to do the President in now and there would be a car waiting for me at the end of the street. I figured something was up, so I got here as fast as I could," he paused, "looks like you took care of it before I did."
"Do you know who the caller was?" Buck asked.
Conner shook his head.
'No, but I've still got he cell phone."
"We need to get a trace on that phone," Chris ordered. "Before that son of a bitch finds out what happens and tries to escape."
"Do you know something I don't Agent Larabee?" the agent asked.
"Connor, I want you to work with these men. My family's lives could depend on it."
"Yes sir," Connor said. "But I'm still confused.
"I'll explain it to you. We've got to get moving," Josiah said. "We actually might be able to nail Royal once and for all."
CHAPTER NINE: So It Begins
"I can't thank you enough," Fitzgerald said, shaking hands with Chris and Ezra."I wouldn't be so thankful," Chris sighed. "We let him go. Royal could be half away across the world by now."
"He's not going to stop until he gets what he wants. I have a feeling that won't be until we're all dead," Ezra agreed shaking his head.
"Agent Larabee, Mr. Standish, if Royal even thinks about showing his ugly face here again I have no doubt that you and your team will catch him."
"I would still sleep better at night knowing that son of a bitch was gone," Buck said walking over.
"I'll sleep better at night knowing that you are on my side," the President smiled. He nodded as Josiah and Vin walked over.
"So what did Cody say?"
"Told us everything, Royal really did want to go all out. He planned on killing you and everyone that got in his way. Poor kid was so brainwashed that he didn't even really know what he was doing. I'm glad you decided not to press charges."
That kid doesn't need jail time," Eddie answered. "He needs psychological help. None of this is really his fault. Does Cory know any thing else. Did Royal tell him about..."
"Cody had no idea who you really are. Apparently, Royal didn't want anyone else to know."
'He's plotting something I know it," Buck said. "We haven't heard the last from him yet."
"No," Chris answered. "I don't think we have. He looked down the other side of the White House lawn.
"I'm giving you a clean bill of health, Mr. Mason. Just don't push your luck."
"Thanks Nathan," Liam answered, as he shifted in his lawn chair. "I don't think me ma will let me do much of anything for a while anyway."
Nathan smiled as he got up from his lawn chair and patted the young man on the knee.
"I always said that mothers make the best doctors. Good Luck Liam." Nathan got up and walked towards the group on the other side of the yard.
"Don't worry about the Red Glove; we'll take care of everything."
"I have complete faith in you. I was thinking about taking a vacation soon. Looks like it just came up a little faster than I thought.
"JD, come over here for a sec. I got to ask you something!" Buck called.
JD sighed and smiled at Liam before he walked over.
Liam and Sidney were now the only occupants of the lawn chairs.
"You sure the plane ride will be safe," she asked.
'Orrin has got me booked on a private flight to Dublin. Don't worry Sidney, I'll be fine."
'"Do you know how long you'll be gone?"
"Well, I've got some family and friends to check up on. Most of them I haven't seen since I left Ireland seven years ago."
"And I bet there's a pretty little red haired girl waiting for you," Sidney said quietly. "Someone sweet and quiet..."
"Sid...
"who knows when to keep her mouth shut and..."
"Sidney..."
"who dressed up every once in a while and will..."
"SIDNEY!"
"What?" she asked, stopping her musings.
"There's only one girl I want waiting for me and she's here in America."
I'll bet she will be...wait!"
"I'll be back as soon as I can."
"What's the rush?" Sidney asked, trying to ignore her racing heart.
"The leader of the free world just gave me an excuse to knock off a couple of fat cats. You would me mad to think I wouldn't take him up on that offer."
Is that the only reason?" she asked, hoping for one answer.
"No. I won't be able to do this very well in Ireland." He reached over and grabbed her chin.
Sidney wished that she he wouldn't ever stop, but eventually the kiss did end and Liam pulled away.
"Ta gra agam ort," he whispered in her ear. "At least I think so anyway."
"We'll see," she answered.
"God Damit Ezra! How did you know if would happen so fast?" Buck asked, pulling out his wallet.
"I have a seventh sense for these kinds of things," Ezra answered, pocketing the ten dollar bill.
"Hey Liam, you've got any good Gaelic cuss words for me?" Buck called
"How about Go n-ithe an cat thú, is go n-ithe an diabhal an cat?" Liam suggested, walking over.
"Yeah, Ezra, Go itent an I cat.."
"What the hell did you just say?"
:"May the cat eat you and may the devil eat the cat."
"What?" Buck asked, dumbfounded.
"I think some of its meaning gets lost in translation," Liam sighed.
"Gentlemen, I have a proposal."
"Ezra, the last time you proposed something we all ended up stuck in..."
"Mr. Dunne that little incident can remain between you and me, thank you. What I am suggesting is a new business endeavor."
"I'm listening," Chris prompted.
:"There is a mob boss who just recently moved to Denver. Right now, he is currently making connections with all the hot shots in the city Although, I am not certain of all the facts. I do believe he is buying off politicians to ignore his little enterprise.
"Really? And how hard is going to be to talk to this guy?" Vin asked.
"Well you know. He is usually surrounded by three or four body guards. His mansion has the best security the world has to offer"
.
"Sounds like fun," Chris said with a smile.
"Oh God, I've created a monster," Fitzgerald smiled, but he was smiling.
"I was just thinking Eddie, we are like your personal law enforcement squad aren't we?" JD asked.
"If you want to think about it like that, I suppose you could>"
"Do you reckon we could put some kind if signal up on the white house. You know a sign that lets us know you need our help?"
:"Like the bat signal?" Vin asked with a smile.
"Like the bat signal," JD agreed, ducking Ezra's swinging arm.
END